Joy Yvonne (Smith) Ervin

Joy Yvonne Ervin, 93, of Keenes, IL passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2021 at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Joy was born September 19, 1928 in Cherokee County, IA the daughter of Elby Smith and Ruth (Storey) Smith.

She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education and began teaching elementary education in one-room schoolhouses, which included Independence, Crossroads, and Oak Grove schools.  Her students knew her as “Miss Joy” and she had the privilege of teaching many students over the years in the Wayne County area.  She enjoyed riding horses and was a former member of a horseback riding club in Pekin, IL.  She also enjoyed traveling and visiting with friends.  She was a member of Garrison Temple Church at Papertown, IL and formerly attended the Mt. Zion Church south of Keenes, IL.

Joy is survived by 2 sons:  Don (Maureen) Buchanan of Keenes, IL and East Peoria, IL and Robert Ervin of Murfreesboro, TN; a sister Gayle Trotter of Sims, IL; several grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and several nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by both parents, a daughter Linda Joy Buchanan, a son Nicholas Ervin, a sister Rita Ballard, and 3 brothers:  Dale Smith, Wayne Smith, and Lawrence Smith.

In accordance with Joy’s wishes, there will be no formal services.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.richardsonfuneralservices.com

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